Even though the Eid Determination is different, but still maintain brotherhood

JAKARTA - The difference in determining the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Indonesia is not new, where since the early decades of independence, Muslims have known that there is a difference in determining the beginning of the Hijri month, including Syawal.

This difference is rooted in the method of determining the beginning of the Hijri month which has developed for a long time in the Islamic scientific tradition. The two main approaches used are rukyatul hilal (direct observation) and hisab (perhitu,ngan astronomy), which each have a strong theological and scientific foundation.

In Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) maintains the rukyatul hilal method as the main approach. Rukyat is carried out by directly observing the appearance of the crescent moon in the western horizon after sunset at the end of Ramadan. This method departs from a textual understanding of the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW which states "fast because of seeing the crescent moon and open because of seeing it".

NU considers direct observation to be important as a form of caution as well as maintaining the continuity of practices that have been inherited by classical scholars.

Although prioritizing rukyat, NU does not deny the role of astronomical science. Hisab is still used as a tool to predict the position of the crescent moon and determine the possibility of its visibility. This approach is known as rukyat supported by hisab, so that the decisions taken are still based on empirical observations that are measurable.

Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah uses the method of hisab with the principle of wujudul hilal, which in its development is perfected through the concept of the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT). In this approach, the beginning of the month is determined when the hilal is astronomically above the horizon, without waiting to be seen visually.

Muhammadiyah considers the calculation to provide higher certainty and consistency. With precise astronomical calculations, the Hijri calendar can be compiled days in advance.

KHGT is even designed to unite Islamic dating globally, so that Muslims in various parts of the world can start and end worship on the same day.

The difference in this approach reflects two ways of looking at nash and the development of science. NU tends to emphasize the aspect of rukyat as a direct implementation of religious texts, while Muhammadiyah sees hisab as a form of ijtihad that is relevant to the progress of modern science.

The government through the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) is trying to bridge the two approaches through the isbat session. In this forum, the data of hisab and the results of rukyat are brought together to produce an official decision. However, the government also respects the decisions of each religious organization.

Examples of differences that often occur can be seen in several years when the position of the crescent moon is at the limit of the visibility criteria. In these conditions, Muhammadiyah can determine Eid al-Fitr earlier because the crescent moon is already in existence, while NU is waiting for the results of the rukyat which may not have succeeded in seeing the crescent moon.

As a result, Muslims in Indonesia celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different days.

Even though it's a different day, the practice in the field shows that this difference does not interfere with togetherness. People still visit each other, even not infrequently attending two halal bihalal moments in close proximity. This tradition actually strengthens social relations in the midst of diversity.

This experience is proof that the difference in methods is not identical to the split. Muslims in Indonesia have become accustomed to placing differences as part of the wealth of scientific treasures, not as a source of conflict.

Efforts to unify the Hijri calendar continue, both at the national and regional levels, including through the forum of the Ministers of Religion of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (MABIMS). However, stakeholders also realize that this process takes time and deep understanding.

In the end, the difference in determining Eid al-Fitr reflects the dynamics of ijtihad in Islam which is alive and developing. In Indonesia, this dynamic goes hand in hand with the strong commitment to maintaining Islamic brotherhood, so that differences do not hinder unity.